We Tracked Down the Most Beautiful Berber Style Rugs — Shop Our 12 Favorites
Designers love Berber-style rugs for the way they bring a subtle hint of pattern and aged beauty to a room. Here are the best 12 that add a note of personality
Ah, the iconic Berber rug. It might be hard to believe that these classically stylish rugs have been around for 1,000+ years, but they sure have — and it doesn't look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Berber rugs, or Berber-style rugs, are a familiarity on many a magazine page, and they're popular as ever on our Instagram feed.
And who do we have thank for this look becoming one of the best rug styles around? Who do we have to thank for these gorgeous rugs and their unique designs? According to interior designer Courtney Cole, “Berber rugs are from the tribes in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco,” and are alternatively known as ‘Beni Ourain.’ The rug style has become a fan favorite due to its softness and unmatched versatility. “With their neutral color palette, they can easily integrate into various decor styles, from minimalist to bohemian,” explains the designer, adding, “Their patterns are usually either geometric or abstract and they are perfect for adding a subtle yet engaging visual interest without overwhelming a room's aesthetic." How to spot the real deals from interpretations? Real, original Berber rugs boast a wool construction. While they're pretty hard to come by, they also carry an expensive price tag. On the other hand, Berber-style rugs are usually 100 percent polyester or polypropylene, and some of the best are actually quite purse-friendly.
For those who are yet to notice, we have a penchant for Berber style rugs — especially these ones below. Carry on scrolling to peruse our shopping edit of the most stylish Berber-style rugs that you can buy today, from inexpensive yet luxurious piles to large decorative designs. Whether you're styling a sizeable living room or sprucing up an otherwise plain hallway, a Berber rug will add a slice of cozy to your space — and a lot of fun. We challenge you not to fall in love with these designs...
Visit our selection of the best gray rugs for plenty more timeless decorating ideas you'll want to copy.
The Best Berber Style Rugs
Thankfully, these days, you don't have to book a flight to Morocco just to get your hands on a Beni Ourain rug. We've found plenty of Berber style rugs that are just a click away.
Best Geometric Berber Rugs
Material: Wool
From: $249
Handwoven in India, West Elm’s Souk Rug is a bestseller for good reason. Its hand-braided tassels on both ends make a beautiful statement in a bedroom or living room. The style comes in three sizes and two colorways, including natural and marble iron gate.
Material: Leather & Cotton
From: $60
This compelling design emerges as increasingly elevated with a pared back color palette — one of the best geometric rugs, no doubt. With the unexpected addition of leather weave, this rug feels modern whilst nodding to more traditional Berber styles.
Material: Jute & Cotton
From: $99.99
This striking rug from Wayfair is the perfect statement piece for spaces with neutral color palettes — ideal for minimalist living rooms. We’re fond of the runner style, which would bode nicely in a hallway, though it comes in several other shapes and sizes.
Best Patterned Berber Rugs
Material: Jute
From: $42.99
Handwoven with 100 percent jute, we’re shocked this striped rug doesn’t cost many times more. Its natural fiber feels laid back, but its quality construction and rich color variation lend an air of sophistication. Its neutral color palette makes this a seamless addition to any room.
Material: Wool
From: $298
Well-executed designs like this are hard to come by, and this one is impressively hand-knotted with wool, which is quite similar to traditional Berber techniques. Consider pairing this Anthropologie rug with other forms of prints to achieve a maximalist look, or let these cheerful hues speak for themselves.
Material: Wool
From: $299
Authentic Berber rugs only get better with time, garnering a beautiful fade. This pick from CB2 leans into this naturally-weathered appeal with negative space and abstract details. A harmonious blend between old-world charm and new world sensibilities, it’s among the best patterned rugs.
Best Minimal Berber Rugs
Material: Wool
From: $41.99
The natural texture of Berber rugs add so much depth without the help of vibrant colors or busy designs. This area rug combines natural beige with ivory for a breezy look, while its thick pile height makes it super cozy for sitting. Consider placing this minimalist rug in a bedroom, sunroom, or anywhere that could benefit from additional cushioning.
Material: Wool & Cotton
From: $54.99
Handmade, natural color variations on this black oblong beauty will differ from rug to rug, making it a one-of-a-kind investment. Consider choosing a smaller size to place underneath an accent table for a defined space. If darker rugs aren’t you thing, this style comes in a variety of gorgeous hues from beige to blue.
Material: Jute & Cotton
From: $499
Admittedly one of the pricier items on this list, we can assure you that it’s well worth the splurge. Its minimalist grid pattern is impeccably executed, emerging seamlessly from contrasting braid heights. Each rug is handwoven by 14 master artisans in Bhadohi, India, so you can rest easy knowing this was made in a fair trade environment.
Best Classical Style Berber Rugs
Material: Wool
Price: $279.99
One glance at this West Elm rug delivers instant smiles. It’s actually from the kid’s section, though we think it would make a wonderful statement in any living room that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Currently 60 percent off, it’s best to swoop up this vibrant gem right now.
Material: Jute
From: $47.99
Diamond-shaped patterns get at the essence of the Berber rug, making this a timeless classic of a jute rug that will remain in your collection for years to come. Its low pile height is perfectly suited for high-traffic areas, making this the ideal option for larger households.
Material: Jute
From: $31
This mesmerizing jute design was created by highly skilled weavers — a testament to quality craftsmanship. Eco-friendly, highly durable, and affordably priced, this rug checks all of the boxes.
WHAT IS A BERBER STYLE RUG?
Originally from Morocco and surrounding areas of Northern Africa, Berber rugs — or Beni Ourain as they are also known — were popularized by designers in mid-20th century Europe. Seeking inspiration from further afield, they imported these luxurious piles in their thousands, taking the expertly handwoven works from the Berber tribes of the Atlas mountains, to the sitting rooms of Paris, London and New York.
We owe these beautiful Berber style rug designs particularly to the nomadic women of the Beni Ourain tribe, who passed down their looping techniques and secret family patterns for generations. But there's more to these rugs than meets the eye. The patterns aren't just beautiful, they are symbolic too — the lozenge, chevron and diamond shapes representing femininity and fertility.
And, like fingerprints, the original Moroccan Berber rug patterns were as unique and individual as the weavers who created them. The colors, patterns and woven designs were all inextricably linked to the isolated villages where they originated — which we think gives these rugs a new dimension beyond aesthetic. While you can still get your hands on authentic Berber rugs through rug specialists or perhaps bringing one back from Morocco itself, there are also lots of rugs emulating the style beautifully available online a little closer to home.
Add some curvature to your living space with Livingetc's selection of the best round rugs.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Annie is Livingetc's Deputy Ecommerce Editor, and with a penchant for shopping and four years of ecommerce experience in her cart, she's more than equipped to advise when it comes to exactly the home decor you need to buy for your home. With a particular love of home fragrance, she always ensures her interiors emanate a luxurious scent to match her bijou residence. Annie and her team work to provide you with the best in-class content, whether you are searching for fluffy towels for your bathroom, clever drawer organizers for your kitchen or even a new dinnerware set for when guests come to dine. Whatever the season — or the latest trend — Annie and her team work to cover events for Livingetc, whether that be holidays or sale events, spanning Mother's Day to Black Friday.
Annie's knowledge has been sprawled across several homes websites, including Real Homes, Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens and Gardeningetc. She has also injected her ecommerce skills into the titles of Woman & Home and Country & Townhouse.
Annie lives in South East London in a sizeable two-bed apartment with her husband-to-be and her Pug called Doug. Annie's space, though surprisingly substantial, lacks storage space meaning that she's always on the lookout for things to buy to maximize space at home. She's currently redecorating this space whilst on a budget, and loves discovering a dupe or DIYing something to look triple its price tag. Next on her list of things to do at home are DIY crittal-style doors leading from her living room to her hallway.
You can follow Annie's home Instagram account at @athome.withannie.
-
The 12 Best Table Lamps for Reading —I'm a Certified Bookworm (and Shopping Expert)
When it comes to table lamps for reading, I don't mess around. If you're the same, this edit is for YOU (and your books, or course — and good recommendations?)
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
"It's Scandi Meets Californian-Cool" — The New Anthro Collab With Katie Hodges Hits Just the Right Style Note
The LA-based interior designer merges coastal cool with Scandinavian simplicity for a delightfully lived-in collection of elevated home furnishings
By Julia Demer Published